Golf Digest is launching “The Real Deal with Bob Philion,” a new podcast featuring candid conversations with some of the most influential athletes, executives and operators in golf and the businesses behind the game.
Hosted by longtime golf and sports business executive Bob Philion, “The Real Deal” goes beyond what happens on the course to explore the deals, decisions, relationships and pivotal moments that have shaped careers, companies and the modern golf industry.
The series debuts September 15th with Greg Norman, the two-time major champion, former World No. 1 and entrepreneur whose career helped establish the blueprint for the modern athlete-businessman. Upcoming guests include industry CEOs David Abeles of TaylorMade, legendary instructor Butch Harmon, and super agent Mark Steinberg, who has represented some of the biggest names in sports.
“I’ve spent three decades working inside this industry, and some of the most interesting stories I’ve experienced are the ones most fans have never seen,” said Philion. “The deal that almost didn’t happen. The relationship that changed a career. The decision that looked crazy at the time. The mentor behind the scenes. Those are the conversations I want to have on The Real Deal.”
Bob Philion, host of the Real Deal podcast
Philion has spent 20 years building golf businesses, beginning as Puma Golf’s first employee in 2005 and later serving for seven years as President and CEO of Cobra Puma Golf, following the acquisition of Cobra Golf in 2010. He continued to oversee the golf business as part of his broader responsibilities during eight years as President and CEO of Puma North America. Over those two decades, Philion helped build businesses, brands and partnerships alongside many of the athletes, executives and industry leaders whose stories The Real Deal is designed to explore.
“Golf Digest has always been about bringing our audience closer to the people shaping the game, and Bob brings a perspective we haven’t had before,” said Chris Reynolds, EVP and GM of Golf Digest. “He’s spent three decades not just observing the business of golf, but building businesses, making deals and working alongside many of the people who shaped it. The Real Deal gives our audience a different view of the game—and the business behind it.”
The podcast is also part of Philion’s broader Real Deal Sports platform, which brings an operator-led perspective to the intersection of sport and business through advisory work, media and thought leadership. Its mission is to help athletes, brands, investors and future leaders win in the business of sport.
The Real Deal with Bob Philion debuts September 15th on GolfDigest.com, Golf Digest’s YouTube channel and all major podcast platforms.
Follow @golfdigest for episodes, clips and insights from the series. Learn more about Real Deal Sports at therealdealsports.com.
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
